Veteran actress, voice-over artist, and preacher, Thelma Chukwunwem, has reflected on her 31-year career in Nollywood, emphasizing how she maintained her values and integrity throughout. She proudly stated that no producer or director can claim to have taken advantage of her.

Thelma credited her success to her upbringing, her dedication to perfecting her craft, and her faith in God. She shared that her journey in Nollywood has been a testament to staying true to one’s principles and thriving without shortcuts.

The actress opened up about the challenges she faced from directors and producers who made inappropriate advances. However, she remained steadfast, choosing to rely on her faith and talent rather than compromising. She stressed the importance of mastering one’s craft and holding onto faith, even when temptations arise.

In her words, Thelma recounted starting her acting career at 20, facing numerous temptations early on. She spoke of rejecting roles when producers or directors made unethical demands, a choice that cost her opportunities but upheld her principles. Her determination to succeed through honesty eventually paid off, as her perseverance earned her respect in the industry.

The actress shared a pivotal moment in 2017 when she crossed paths with a director who once denied her a role. She reflected on how far she had come, attributing her growth to hard work and God’s grace. The encounter served as a reminder of the power of integrity and resilience.

In addition to acting, Thelma is a voice-over artist and preacher. Her passion for acting began in childhood and led her to pursue a BA in Theatre Arts, majoring in directing. She also feels a personal obligation to share the gospel, emphasizing that one doesn’t need a church to spread God’s word—it can be done in everyday life.

Thelma encourages young actresses to prioritize learning their craft and trusting God over compromising their values. She advises them to embrace hard work and prayer, reassuring them that talent and dedication will eventually create opportunities.

For Thelma, every job is a chance to showcase one’s skills. She tells aspiring actors to always deliver their best performance, reminding them that hard work will be noticed, even if not immediately rewarded.

Thelma’s story inspires hope, especially for young actresses navigating the film industry. Her journey demonstrates that success and integrity can go hand in hand. By standing firm and focusing on their craft, women can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.